Helen Marie Merrill
01/08/1956-04/20/2025
Helen Marie Merrill, 69, of Batesville, Indiana, peacefully passed away on April 20, 2025 at her home in the loving embrace of family. Born in Fort Thomas, Kentucky on January 8, 1956, she was the beloved daughter of the late Everett and Vivian Merrill.
Helen is survived by her son Danny Crabtree Jr., her daughter Kimberly Crabtree, 7 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren. She will also be forever remembered by her siblings Olivia Merrill Steinmetz, Vivian Smith, and Dennis Merrill.
In addition to her parents, Helen was preceded in death by her daughter Vivian (Christopher)Rust and their 4 sons, her son Erick Wayne Crabtree, and her siblings Everett Merrill Jr., Linda Blevins, Sharon Froelicher, David Merrill, John Merrill, Gladys Sherman, and Diania Sullivan.
Helen enjoyed life's simple pleasures with her love of spending time with family and friends as her top priority. She was an amazing gardener, landscape architect, cook, singer, dancer, and artist. Her artistic creativity was limitless. She supported her community with random acts of kindness and was a dedicated animal rescuer, saving dozens of cats and dogs over the last few decades. She truly was selfless and remarkable.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Further information will be provided.
Condolences (4)
Heather Singleton-Robinson
I have the best memories of Mama Helen. She was always laughing and dancing and making the best meals for all of us. I’ll never forget the night we got stranded at White Castle on Madison Ave and we were all debating whose parents to call to come and save us and Mama Helen pulled into the lot saying something told her she needed to be at that white castle and she took us all home.
Heather Singleton-Robinson
I have the best memories of Mama Helen. She was always laughing and dancing and making the best meals for all of us. I’ll never forget the night we got stranded at White Castle on Madison Ave and we were all debating whose parents to call to come and save us and Mama Helen pulled into the lot saying something told her she needed to be at that white castle and she took us all home.
Jennifer Ellis
I always remember Helen doing something in the garden or changing something around the house. She would always have music on and would randomly grab one of the kids or their friend and just start dancing with the biggest smile on her face. All though it had been a while since I saw Helen she will be miss and forever deeply loved .
Jennifer Ellis
I always remember Helen doing something in the garden or changing something around the house. She would always have music on and would randomly grab one of the kids or their friend and just start dancing with the biggest smile on her face. All though it had been a while since I saw Helen she will be miss and forever deeply loved .